Victorian Mourning Woven Horse Hair Ring – Antique Hairwork with Monogram in Solid Rose Gold

While most Victorian mourning rings featured human hair, woven horse hair was also used—especially by those in military, aristocratic, or equestrian circles. Horses held immense symbolic value in the 19th century, representing loyalty, service, strength, and companionship. Owners often commissioned mourning jewelry after the passing of a cherished horse, particularly one that had served in war or was a faithful companion.

Hairwork, a delicate art form, involved braiding or weaving hair into intricate patterns by hand. The technique was the same whether the hair came from a human or horse, requiring patience and exceptional skill. Solid rose gold, a warm and romantic metal, underscores the emotional significance of this piece and enhances its lasting value.

This ring is more than an antique—it is a tribute to memory, devotion, and the enduring human-animal bond that shaped many lives during the Victorian age.